Two people working in Columbia failed alcohol compliance checks Friday night by selling to minors.

The investigations, conducted by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, monitored 10 different businesses in northern Boone County. Three businesses in outer Columbia were
part of the checks.

Monte Hutchinson, an employee of Midway Travel Plaza, 6401 Highway 40 West, and Chetana Patel, an employee of Midway-Little General, 6751 Highway 40 West, are facing charges.

The violators were issued citations for selling intoxicating liquor to a minor. The business owners are also liable to charges from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

First violations can result in fines. Subsequent violations can result in suspension of the liquor license.

Sgt. Brian Leer said the department maintains a list of businesses that sell alcohol outside of Columbia city limits. The department then divides the list into groups that may be investigated during one of the checks held two or three times per year.

Forty-one businesses have been a part of the alcohol compliance tests since March 2010. Thirteen of those businesses were given citations for selling alcohol to underage customers.

Police choose 18- or 19-year-old adults to test the compliance of stores. To choose the participants, police take photos of potential participants and show them to strangers who then estimate the person’s age. If the average estimate is greater than 19, the person won’t be used as a participant. Participants then enter a business and attempt to purchase alcohol. They must provide their real identification if asked and are not allowed to lie.

“There’s never trickery involved,” Leer said. “It’s straight up honesty.”

The money transferred is pre-registered with the Sheriff’s Department to prove the transaction. Officers are also inside the business to witness the sale as well as to ensure safety to those involved.

Leer said the goal of these checks is to prevent children from obtaining alcohol by holding businesses accountable.